receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər 

: one that receives: such as

a

: treasurer

b(1)

: a person appointed to hold in trust and administer property under litigation

(2)

: a person appointed to settle the affairs of a business involving a public interest or to manage a corporation during reorganization

c

: one that receives stolen goods : fence

d

: a device for converting signals (such as electromagnetic waves) into audio or visual form: such as

(1)

: a device in a telephone for converting electric impulses or varying current into sound

(2)

: a radio receiver with a tuner and amplifier on one chassis

e(1)

: catcher

(2)

: a member of the offensive team in football eligible to catch a forward pass

Examples of receiver in a Sentence

She angrily slammed down the phone's receiver.

Recent Examples on the Web

The good news for the Patriots is Maye was among the NFL’s best quarterbacks versus the blitz this season, and his receivers are coming off an impressive showing to beat tight man-to-man coverage. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026

An external receiver, potentially built into a wearable device, detects the signal from up to two feet away. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026

The wireless receiver can also block neighboring ports on laptops, however this isn't a major gripe. —New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026

Pairing the three-time All-Pro with star receiver Puka Nacua gave the Rams one of the NFL’s best duos, helping quarterback Matthew Stafford lead the league in passing yards (4,707) and touchdowns (46) in a potential MVP season. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing receiver

• receiver general
• wide receiver

Rhymes for receiver

• achiever
• believer
• deceiver
• perceiver
• reliever
• retriever
• transceiver
• cleaver
• fever
• leaver
• weaver
• unbeliever

Kids Definition

receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər 

: one that receives: as

a

: a person appointed to take control of property that is involved in a lawsuit or of a business that is bankrupt or is being reorganized

b

: equipment for receiving radio or television broadcasts

c

: a device for changing electricity or radio waves into light or sound

d

: an offensive football player who may catch a forward pass

Legal Definition

receiver

noun

re·​ceiv·​er ri-ˈsē-vər 

1

: an officer charged with receiving tax payments or returns and other related duties (as the maintenance of tax rolls)

2

: a person appointed by the court to hold in trust and administer property in litigation

especially : one appointed to administer, conserve, rehabilitate, or liquidate the assets of an insolvent corporation for the protection or relief of creditors compare conservator, liquidator